The new facility uses a proprietary manufacturing process to produce the
world’s highest efficiency solar modules. At 33.9 percent conversion
efficiency, Semprius’ modules are the first to convert more than
one-third of the sun’s energy into electricity.

“The highly anticipated opening of this new facility has significant
implications for the future of renewable energy,” said Carr. “It’s a
major milestone for Semprius, and we’re very proud of our team and our
public and private partners that have helped us bring it in on time and
on budget. With production ramped up, we will be able to effectively
service our customers, including companies like Siemens and Pratt &
Whitney Rocketdyne.”

Semprius plans to hire more than 250 employees over the next several
years. In the last 15 months, Semprius raised almost $40 million in
funding from equity investors including ARCH Venture Partners, Illinois
Ventures, Intersouth Partners, In-Q-Tel, Morgan Creek Capital Management
and Siemens Venture Capital. In addition, Semprius was awarded North
Carolina and Vance County incentives totaling almost $8 million.

“The opening of Semprius’ solar manufacturing plant in Henderson further
strengthens North Carolina’s leadership in clean technology and
sustainability,” said Governor Perdue. “We congratulate Semprius on all
of their successes thus far and look forward to their continued growth –
and with it, new high tech jobs for the highly skilled North Carolina
workforce.”

Developed with the support of the U.S. Department of Energy’s National
Renewable Energy Laboratory, Semprius’ proprietary micro-transfer
printing process enables the use of the world’s smallest solar cell –
approximately the size of a pencil point – to manufacture modules with
unmatched performance and cost advantages. Compared with conventional
silicon-based modules, Semprius’ modules are twice as efficient, offer
consistent energy output and superior energy yields while performing
much better in hot climates.

Semprius, Inc. holds the world record for solar module efficiency,
reaching 33.9 percent. Using the world’s smallest solar cells and
applying state-of-the-art manufacturing processes, Semprius is leading
the way to cost-competitive, sustainable solar electricity. Semprius was
named to MIT Technology Review’s 2012 TR10, an annual list of the
world’s 10 most important emerging technologies. Semprius’ headquarters
and production facilities are located in North Carolina, USA. For more
information, please visit www.semprius.com.